VOLLEY
Alas Pilipinas outclasses Qatar
Alas Pilipinas outclassed an inexperienced Qatar side, 25-8, 25-2, 25-9, to move up in the classification round of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games women’s volleyball competition on Sunday at the Okazaki Central Park General Gymnasium.
It took the Philippines just 52 minutes to dispose of the Qataris, who were overwhelmed by Alas power despite head coach Taka Minowa opting to sit out Eya Laure and top scorer Angel Canino.
The Pinays won their first match in their Asiad return after eight years, following a winless run in the group stage.
Amie Provido led Alas with 19 points on 11 attacks, four aces and four kill blocks while Shaina Nitura scored all of her 10 points on kills. Bella Belen had 10 markers built on eight spikes and two kill blocks she laced with nine digs and three excellent receptions.
Alas’ huge advantage in the level of competitiveness was evident in the second set, when the Philippines built a 19-0 lead with Mars Alba at the service line.
Qatar, which fielded a very young squad including a 14-year-old, finally stopped the bleeding with a crosscourt hit from Eisa Ludan.
The Filipinas will face Mongolia on Monday at 6 p.m. (Manila time) to advance into the battle for ninth.
Qatar, who was led by Sumaia Almadhoun’s four points, absorbed a fourth straight defeat – all from straight sets.
The Qataris clash with Kyrgyzstan, which absorbed a 20-25, 16-25, 20-25, loss to Nepal, in the battle for 13th place on Tuesday.